Manager Matt Williams said Harper's thumb was "a little bit tender" after taking batting practice on the field Thursday for the first time since his injury in April. However, Williams said the tenderness was on the back of the thumb, and not on the side where the surgery was performed.

"[That pain] is to be expected, because he's doing a lot of strength stuff," Williams said. "But he was able to swing today with no issues and drive the ball. So he's right on schedule."

Williams still targets Harper's return to be on or around July 1. The manager said his plan is to send Harper on a rehab stint at some point during the Nationals' upcoming road trip, which could be as early as Monday.

"Once we get on the road, he could head out and get started with that process," Williams said.